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LAYUP AIMS TO TACKLE SPORTS BETTING IN THE U.S — BY MAKING EVERY FAN A WINNER
Backed by the American Savings Promotion Act, Layup encourages real savings while channeling the thrill of winning money on sports
If everyone likes to win money, then why don’t most people gamble? The founders of Layup—a groundbreaking new fintech startup—think it comes down to more than fear of losing money. The incentives that power the gaming industry also push people away. Inspired by Prize Bonds in Ireland, the founders’ native country, Layup flips the incentives on their head, redefining what it means to play—and win.
Layup is a sports game built for every U.S. sports fan, not just gamblers. The app generates daily sports picks for users, similar to a parlay, but instead of betting their deposit, they save it. Every pick earns a chance to win real cash prizes, but their principal always stays safe.
The concept is based on Irish Prize Bonds, which are operationally a lottery funded by the interest earned on the $5 billion worth of deposits in the program. But in Ireland, it’s much more significant: Prize Bonds are a safe, fun, and trusted way to enjoy the thrill of winning without the risk of financial loss.
“We think we’re offering something that no one else in the U.S. is, and we’ve more than doubled our active users over the past month,” said Owen Monagan, co-founder and CEO of Layup. “I think the message behind our product is resonating. It’s a sports game where all of the outcomes are good. You either win money or save money. If we’re doing our job right, you’ll do both.”
Built on Trust, Not Temptation
All funds deposited through Layup go directly into accounts held by nbkc bank, Member FDIC, where they’re held safely and can be withdrawn at any time. The bank pays Layup a monthly fee to attract savers, and Layup uses that to fund its prize payouts. In short: no hidden fees, no middlemen, no “house,” no downside.
The model is backed by the American Savings Promotion Act of 2014, common-sense bipartisan legislation focused on helping average Americans.
“In Ireland, products like Prize Bonds are so trusted that kids use them,” said Oisín Tiernan, co-founder and CTO of Layup. “I’ve had one since I was a 1-year-old. It was a gift from my godmother. We wanted to take that same concept and bring it to the U.S., using the same energy that has made legal sports betting so popular and channel it into a product that is safe and fun.”
A Real Solution to a Real Problem
Layup isn’t just a clever twist on saving—it’s a timely answer to an urgent issue. In 2024, Americans lost approximately $8 billion on parlay bets, a form of sports gambling especially popular among young men. At the same time, this same group is facing historically low savings rates and increasing financial stress.
“What makes me proudest is what the data is starting to show: After 30 days, 60% of our users say they’re betting less on traditional sportsbook apps,” Monagan said. “That’s not just a behavior shift—it’s a financial pivot. We’re turning a costly habit into a healthy one.”
The academic research backs it up: Studies have indicated or outright stated that prize-linked savings products such as Layup can turn gambling spending into savings—offering an actual, research-backed solution to gambling.
“If you strip away the game mechanics, our business is built on a simple principle: You never lose your principal,” Monagan said. “We’re not doing this out of pure altruism. We believe Layup is founded on a sound business strategy. Sportsbooks are so focused on taking as much money as possible from their customers that they’ve created space for us to create a successful business focused on doing the opposite.”
Layup: The New Way to Play
Layup’s experience is designed to feel more like a March Madness pool with friends, a 50-50 raffle, or a fantasy football league. It’s exciting and it’s built for people who like to win—but don’t want to lose.
“We’ve built a product that feels fun and familiar, but at its core, it’s changing the relationship people have with money,” said Tiernan. “If sports can make grown men paint themselves blue, they can motivate someone to save 50 bucks.”
The post LAYUP AIMS TO TACKLE SPORTS BETTING IN THE U.S — BY MAKING EVERY FAN A WINNER appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.
Blueprint Gaming
Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot
New title adds Fire Spins and Blitz Spins bonuses plus Standard, Super and Ultra Power Play modes at 5x, 10x and 20x stake.
Blueprint Gaming has released a new slot, Wolf Fury Fire Blitz, built around an “evolving Fire Blitz mechanic” and two bonus paths: Fire Spins and Blitz Spins.
The game uses a Fire Blitz logo above the reels as a meter. In the base game and Power Play, the supplier said every Cash and Wolf symbol contributes to the meter, with boosts able to add extra symbols and “guarantees either Fire Spins or Blitz Spins.”
Fire Spins triggers when six or more Cash symbols land in view. Each reel position spins independently to add more Cash or Wolf symbols, with new symbols resetting a three-spin counter and locking in place. Blueprint said the Wolf can land on the centre reel to collect all Cash symbols in view, then collect additional prizes that land for the remainder of the feature.
Blitz Spins activates when a Wolf symbol lands on reel three alongside Cash symbols on two adjacent reels. During the bonus, the Wolf collects every Cash symbol that lands before the reels respin, and additional Wolf symbols can lock in place, with up to three collectors active at once.
The title also includes Blueprint Gaming’s multi-level Power Play, offering Standard, Super or Ultra modes at 5x, 10x or 20x the base stake. In these modes, the company said only Cash and Wolf symbols appear on the reels.
Jo Purvis, Director of Marketing, PR and Events at Blueprint Gaming
, said: “Wolf Fury Fire Blitz combines several of our most engaging mechanics into a fast-paced experience that offers players frequent feature opportunities and exciting collection gameplay. The Fire Blitz mechanic creates anticipation throughout every session, while the dual bonus structure ensures plenty of variety.
“The addition of our multi-level Power Play further enhances the experience by giving players greater control over how they engage with the game, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative, feature-rich content that performs across regulated markets worldwide.”
The post Blueprint Gaming releases Wolf Fury Fire Blitz slot appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win
Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes
Playson has launched 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win, a new slot built around Hold and Win and Pots mechanics with two bonus modes and jackpots reaching 10,000x.
The game runs on a 5×3 grid and triggers a Hold and Win Bonus Game with Chili Features when red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols land, combining with enlarged matching chilis above the reels. The chilli colour determines the feature in play: red triggers a Multi Feature that adds multipliers up to 5x; orange triggers a Mystery Feature that can award Mini, Minor or Major jackpot values or a coin value up to 75x; and green triggers a Collect Feature that gathers the value of all symbols in play, including any attached multipliers.
A golden Super Chili Bonus symbol can trigger a Super Bonus Game on an expanded 5×5 grid, with random Multi, Mystery or Collect features, including combinations. During the round, the active Super Chili Feature lands random Chili Bonus symbols until six are present, which then activates a new feature or enhances the current one.
Playson said jackpots can be triggered in both bonus modes. Filling all 15 cells in the classic bonus awards the Grand Jackpot at 3,000x, while filling all 25 cells in the Super Bonus Game awards the Super Jackpot at 10,000x. Skull-themed symbols can also appear in bonus play and transform into red, orange or green Chili Bonus symbols. The title includes two Buy Bonus levels, allowing players to trigger the Bonus Game or Super Bonus Game with one, two or three Chili Features.
Anton Ivannikov, CPO at Playson, said: “Our fiery new title showcases our continued focus on evolving proven mechanics in fresh and exciting ways. By combining two player-favourite features with layered bonus progression, dynamic Chili Features and a Super Bonus Game offering even greater rewards, we have created a title that delivers excitement throughout every stage of play.
“Complemented by its vibrant Mexican fiesta theme and engaging gameplay, we are confident 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win will prove to be another valuable addition to our partners’ casino offerings.”
The post Playson releases 4 Chili Pots: Hold and Win with dual bonus modes appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Compliance Updates
Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy
Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.
In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.
“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.
The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.
The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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